Google Cracks Down and Bans Adwords CPA Scams

[Linda Buquet]

One of the most popular offers on CPA networks has been the Google Money Tree scam and others like it. Google is cracking down on these scams and banning Adwords accounts that advertise them. <strong>I wonder if the networks are warning affiliates these programs can get them banned from Adwords. That could kill a lot of income for a lot of affiliates!</strong>

Google Money Tree and all these other similar shady programs promise a quick and easy way to make money with Google Adwords then continue to rebill with hidden charges. <strong><a href="http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/shortchange.shtm">The FTC just busted Google Money Tree</a></strong> and many others, so I don't even know if they are still in business. But in spite of the bust and Google banning accounts, I still see disguised GMT Adwords ads up today.

The <a href="http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/AdWords/thread?tid=0e9732d93b7e65bc&hl=en">letter</a> Google is sending out to problem accounts reads:

"It's come to our attention that you have submitted ads that promote Google Money Tree or ads that promote a misrepresented affiliation with Google. Due to multiple complaints from our users and publishers, we've made the decision not to accept these ads.

This is a notification that your account has been suspended due to the submission of these ads and your ads will no longer run on Google. Please note that future accounts you open will also be suspended."

More at the SearchEngineWatch Blog. <a href="http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/090707-052949">Finally, Google Suspends Accounts Running Adword Scam Programs</a>

<strong>UPDATE:</strong> Just found a post over at Zac's blog about lots of affiliates having their Adwords accounts banned. <strong><a href="http://zacjohnson.com/my-google-adwords-account-was-banned/">My Google Adwords Account Was Banned!</a></strong><strong></strong>